Message to the troops

AFP/Getty photo by Mandel Ngan

President Barack Obama speaks to the troops during a surprise visit to Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq. The president emerged from a meeting with Odierno and National Security Adviser Gen. Jim Jones to a main, chandeliered room where troops were assembled for their visitor. "Thanks to all of you," Obama said. "I am so honored," and, as one called out, 'I love you,' the president replied: "I love you back." The president thanked the troops for their strain, their sacrifice and the controversy and difficulty that they had confronted, calling the transformation of Iraq to a fledgling democracy an "extraordinary achievement."

President Barack Obama speaks to the troops during a surprise visit to Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq. The president emerged from a meeting with Odierno and National Security Adviser Gen. Jim Jones to a main, chandeliered room where troops were assembled for their visitor. "Thanks to all of you," Obama said. "I am so honored," and, as one called out, 'I love you,' the president replied: "I love you back." The president thanked the troops for their strain, their sacrifice and the controversy and difficulty that they had confronted, calling the transformation of Iraq to a fledgling democracy an "extraordinary achievement."